COLLINGWOOD’S return to the top eight lasted only seven days as the Magpies lost some precious percentage and perhaps just as much respect in yesterday’s collapse against a resurgent West Coast.

The Pies had no answer to the Eagles’ intimidating army of talls as West Coast recorded just its second win over Collingwood in the past 12 clashes between the teams with the 10-goal win at Patersons Stadium.

Travis Cloke kicked his only goal for the day entering time-on of the final quarter, having again being well beaten by nemesis and All-Australian contender Eric Mackenzie.

There were few other avenues to goal for the Magpies, who kicked just three goals after half-time.

Richmond’s unlikely tilt at a finals berth is grabbing the headlines, but the Eagles are now plotting a September gatecrashing of their own just a fortnight after Adam Simpson conceded their season was over following disappointing loss to the Tigers in Round 18.

Jarrod Witts battled hard but had to largely go it alone in the ruck against the triple-team of Nic Naitanui, Dean Cox and Scott Lycett, who combined for seven goals as Lycett kicked a career-best four.

Dean Cox is mobbed by his teammates after kicking a final quarter goal.Source:Getty Images

The Eagles fielded a remarkable eight players standing at 195cm or taller and it was the big men who set the tone for the day as Lycett, Naitanui, Josh Kennedy and Mitch Brown kicked the home side’s first four goals.

While the giants did the scoring, it was a slow 185cm midfielder named Matt Priddis who was the key as West Coast stunned the Pies in an opening-term onslaught and completed the job in the third quarter.

Priddis’ six opening-quarter clearances was more than Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom could muster between them as the Eagles dominated the contested ball fight.

There would be no letting up for the relentless Priddis, who finished with 42 possessions and 12 clearances.

There weren’t enough off the black and white army in the ground to make their displeasure heard, but it’s fair to presume the home side’s 12-3 free kick advantage in the first stanza was causing plenty of angst in loungerooms on the other side of the country.

Pendlebury, Beams and Sidebottom lifted in the second to drive the visitors’ temporary revival, with the trio sharing in 35 disposals for the quarter as Collingwood set about clawing back the margin.

Steele Sidebottom was one of Collingwood’s best in the loss. Picture: Daniel WilkinsSource:News Corp Australia

The Magpies were rewarded with five goals to three for the term after a noticeable lift around the ball, with Ben Reid getting the first goal of his nightmare season midway through the term.

Sidebottom’s three-bounce run from the wing just before half-time was a crucial play as Collingwood got within three goals at the major break.

The issue for the Eagles was keeping enough soldiers on the park, with Xavier Ellis subbed out with a right shoulder injury in the first half, but Brown and Jamie Cripps both overcame issues to take their places in the second half.

Xavier Ellis was subbed out in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.Source:Getty Images

The stage was set for a struggle but the premiership quarter instead became a cakewalk for the Eagles, who slammed on six goals to one to kill off the contest.

Lycett, expected to re-sign with West Coast as early as this week, emerged as a surprise matchwinner early in the term when he kicked his third and fourth majors within three minutes of the re-start.

The South Australian’s haul justified Adam Simpson’s call to play three ruckman as the first-year coach continues to wrestle with the dilemma of ensuring Cox’s career draws to a close with dignity while providing Lycett with the opportunities that his form has warranted.

Lycett’s one-two punch left the Pies on the ropes and the margin quickly blew out as Kennedy kicked his third and Naitanui his second as the West Coast continued to dominate.

Cox joined the party late in the term, with his curling left-foot snap a reminder of the skill level which has enabled him to revolutionise the ruck role over his career.

The Eagles’ sixth consecutive goal of a rampant third quarter brought the biggest cheer of the day and ensured there would be no coming back for the dispirited Pies.